Beloved ‘celebirdy’ honored with new $40K statue at Tracy Aviary

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — A new sculpture was unveiled at Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City on Sept. 7, honoring a longtime resident and bird ambassador who lived to be 64 years old.

The bronze-plated statue — which cost about $40,000 to produce — was commissioned by the aviary after the 2023 death of Andy N. Condor .

The life-sized statue was created based on direct measurements and scans of Andy from his lifetime, and the statue was unveiled on International Vulture Awareness Day .

Andy was an Andean Condor and arrived at Tracy Aviary in 1960 after being hatched at the San Diego Zoo in 1959, the aviary said. He was said to be an ambassador for his species and helped educate visitors about how vultures can help maintain ecosystems.

Andy and his handler Helen Dishaw began a tradition of morning walks in 2011, and would often be joined by other staff members and visitors — which is, in part, what helped Andy reach his “celebirdy” status.

“I count myself truly the most fortunate person to have had the honor of walking alongside my friend Andy every day,” Dishaw said after Andy’s passing . “It is a cherished memory that I’m glad we were able to share with so many. His legacy will live on in the hearts and memories of those who knew him, and he will be forever missed.”

According to the aviary, Andy died on Aug. 17, 2023, of natural causes. Until the end of his life, he continued to interact with staff members, the aviary said.

The new statue honoring Andy’s legacy was crafted by California-based artist Adam Matano , with the aviary saying the artist got to know Andy through speaking with the vulture’s caretakers and reviewing photos and videos.

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